Fairs/Festivals
Ocala Arts Festival 2026
Contact Information
Requirement Overview
Eligible Applicant Types: Artist
Emerging Artists: Emerging artists may apply. Emerging Artist Program or Grants exist.
Submission Limit: 1
Media Requirements
Images | Min: 3, Max: 3
Total | Max: 4
Opportunity Summary
2026 marks the 59th annual Ocala Arts Festival in Ocala, Florida. A supportive, art-loving community, beautiful setting, notable on-site artist amenities and hospitality make this two-day festival an enjoyable experience for exhibiting artists and the public alike. Renowned artist amenities include complimentary daily breakfast, snacks & beverages; Saturday artist dinner; convenient Friday set-up; artist parking; security; and, booth sitters.
The Ocala Arts Festival is a signature event on Ocala's busy cultural calendar that draws over 30,000 visitors - both local residents and art-buying tourists - to Ocala's engaging downtown. Fine Arts For Ocala is sure to makie this festival a successful weekend for artists by committing to invite at least 150 artists and promising to promote the festival heavily throughout Central Florida.
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General Information
Application Requirements:
- Submit four photographs, including one booth photo.
- Apply in one category only; separate applications required for additional categories.
- Blind jurying concludes by July 18
- Acceptance notifications by July 20; booth fee due by August 15.
Artist Benefits:
Renowned artist amenities include complimentary daily breakfast, snacks & beverages; Saturday artist dinner; convenient Friday set-up; artist parking; security; and, booth sitters.
Categories:
Clay, Digital Art, Drawing and Graphics, Fiber, Glass, Jewelry, Metal, Mixed Media (2D), Mixed Media (3D), Painting, Photography, Printmaking, Watercolor and Wood.
Emerging Artist Program:
Supports new artists with waived booth fees, a travel stipend and other benefits. Limited to six participants. Instead of uploading a booth photo, please add a fourth photo of your art work.
Judging & Awards:
- Jury panel selected for their art expertise.
- $27,000 in awards, including a $5,000 Best In Show.
- Two judges selected for their expertise.
- Judging based on originality, creativity and booth presentation.
Application Requirements
Rules:
- Artists must be 18 or older.
- All work must be original, handcrafted by the applying artist, and available for sale.
- No machine-made or mass-produced work allowed.
- Artists must be present for the entire duration of the festival.
Jury Details
Average number of applications submitted each year
275
Average number of artists selected from the jury to participate in the event
155
Average number of exempt from jury artists who are invited to participate in the event
4
Booth Information
Booth Fees & Setup:
- Standard Booth: $300; Corner Booth: $400.
- Artists provide their own 10'x10' white tent or rent from our local vendor.
- Setup details provided upon acceptance.
- Jury fee: $50.
Refund Policy
Application and booth fees are non-refundable.
Additional Fees
Double booth 10x20 (tax incld): $600
CORNER Booth (Standard 300 + Corner 100 tax incld): $400
Standard booth (tax incld): $300